“I’m not so sure about that. People aren’t likely to employ a man that’s been suspected of stealing. Dad tried two or three places this afternoon, but he was turned down.”

The Hardy boys were silent. They were sorry for the Robinsons, for they knew only too well that the family were badly off financially and that in view of the robbery it would indeed be difficult for Mr. Robinson to get another position.

“We’ve rented a small house just outside the city,” went on Slim. “It is cheap, and we’ll have to get along.” There was no false pride about Perry Robinson. He faced the facts as they came, and made the best of them. “But if Dad doesn’t get a job it will mean that I’ll have to go to work.”

“But, Slim⁠—you’d have to quit school!”

“I can’t help that. I wouldn’t want to, for you know I was trying for the class medal this year. But⁠—oh, well⁠—”